JD-MA (International Affairs)

two students — Faculty of Law

Common Law

Programs

Combined programs

JD-MA (International Affairs)

Program overview

DURATION

LOCATION

LANGUAGE

NOTES

The Common Law Section of the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law and the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs (NPSIA) at Carleton University offer a combined four-year program leading to a Juris Doctor (JD) and a Master of Arts (International Affairs).

Designed for students interested in the intersection of law and international affairs, the program integrates legal education with advanced study in international relations, policy and global affairs. You benefit from the complementary expertise and resources of two leading institutions in Canada’s National Capital Region.

The combined program allows you to complete both degrees in less time than completing a JD and MA separately. It also lets you develop interdisciplinary research interests and engage with issues at the intersection of international law and international affairs.

The Juris Doctor (JD) / Master of Arts (International Affairs) program is also offered in French through the French Common Law Program.

Why choose this program

Gain an interdisciplinary perspective on the legal, political and policy issues shaping international affairs.

The JD/MA program brings together the study of law and international relations, allowing you to explore issues such as international law, diplomacy, public policy and global governance from complementary perspectives. Studying in Canada’s National Capital Region gives you access to many government departments, international organizations, embassies, courts and other institutions working in these fields.

The program is well suited to students interested in careers in government, diplomacy, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, consulting or the private sector. It also provides a strong foundation for further academic and professional study in law and international affairs.

Program options and structure

The program integrates the requirements of the Juris Doctor (JD) and the Master of Arts (International Affairs) in a four-year curriculum delivered by the University of Ottawa and Carleton University. You complete coursework at both institutions, combining legal education with advanced study in international affairs while reducing the overall course load compared with completing the degrees separately.

Program requirements

Admission requirements (undergraduate)

To be eligible, you must:

Meet the admission requirements for the University of Ottawa JD program.
Hold a four-year undergraduate degree, or the equivalent, for admission to the NPSIA portion of the program.
Have a minimum B+ (77%) GPA for consideration by NPSIA.
Have completed introductory microeconomics and macroeconomics, with a minimum grade of B- in each course, before beginning the MA portion of the program. Equivalent courses can be accepted.
Demonstrate sufficient preparation in international affairs. Students from various academic backgrounds can apply. Applicants with limited background in international affairs might have to complete additional coursework.
Meet NPSIA’s second-language requirement. You must be able to function in a second major international language by the completion of the program.
Apply separately to the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law and NPSIA at Carleton University, indicating your interest in the combined JD/MA program in both applications.
Be accepted by both institutions according to the admission requirements of each program.

You must submit LSAT results for admission to the English JD program at the University of Ottawa. Admission to the JD/MA is subject to the normal JD admission requirements in addition to the NPSIA requirements outlined above.

Why choose uOttawa Common Law

Study at the world’s largest English French bilingual university, located in the heart of the nation's capital. At uOttawa Common Law, we’re educating tomorrow’s leaders in law and society. You’ll benefit from exceptional professors, hands-on learning opportunities, strong connections to government, courts and legal organizations, and a vibrant student community. Gain the knowledge, practical experience and professional network to prepare for diverse careers in law and beyond.

Learn more about why you should choose uOttawa Common Law

Student experience

uOttawa Law in the heart of Canada’s legal community

Kick off your studies with our Welcome Reception on the lawn of the Supreme Court of Canada during Orientation Week.

Brian Dickson Law Library

Access one of Canada’s leading bilingual and bijural law libraries.

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Research in the Common Law Section

Learn alongside professors whose research is shaping law and public policy in Canada and around the world.

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Housing and residence life

Campus life

Norman Paterson School of International Affairs (Carleton University)

MA/JD program at Carleton University

What can you do after your studies

A Juris Doctor provides the foundation for a rewarding, diverse legal career, preparing you for opportunities in private practice, public service, corporate organizations, international institutions, non-profits and beyond.

Careers in Law

Tuition fees

Learn about tuition fees and the financial support available to you.

Tuition fees

Common Law financial aid and awards

Course sequences

JD English-MA (with Carleton University, NPSIA) for students entering as of September 2025

The student is affiliated with the Faculty of Law

YEAR 1

CML 1101 - Legal Foundations: Research, Strategy, Analysis (1 unit)
CML 1102 - Contracts (5 units)
CML 1106 - Dispute Resolution and Professional Responsibility (3 units)
CML 1108 - Property (5 units)
CML 1307 - Law, Reconciliation & Decolonization (3 units)
CML 1206 - Introduction to Public Law and Constitutional Law (6 units) small group
CML 1103 - Criminal Law and Procedure (5 units) large group
CML 1107 - Torts (5 units) large group

CML 1207 - Torts (6 units) small group
CML 1116 - Introduction to Public Law and Constitutional Law (5 units) large group
CML 1103 - Criminal Law and Procedure (5 units) large group

CML 1203 - Criminal Law and Procedure (6 units) small group
CML 1116 - Introduction to Public Law and Constitutional Law (5 units) large group
CML 1107 - Torts (5 units) large group

Small group: class size of approximately 18-25 students

Large group: class size of approximately 75-80 students

YEAR 2

* Students register at Carleton University and complete NPSIA courseworkexternal link .

YEAR 3 - 30 units (typically 10 courses)1

The student is affiliated with the Faculty of Law

CML2313 - Constitutional Law II (3 units)
CML3131 - Public International Law (3 units)
CML2309 - Civil Procedure I (may be completed either in YEAR 3 or YEAR 4) (3 units)
CML2312 - Administrative Law (may be completed either in YEAR 3 or YEAR 4) (3 units)
CML2302 - Business Organizations or CML3102 Special Course in Business Law (may be completed either in YEAR 3 or YEAR 4) (3 units)
Half-year NPSIA course (3 units) or INAF 5509 (3 units)3
Optional CML courses (12-21 units, depending on registration in upper-year compulsory courses)2

YEAR 4 - 30 units (typically 10 courses)1

The student is affiliated with the Faculty of Law

CML2309 - Civil Procedure I (if not completed in YEAR 3) (3 units)
CML2312 - Administrative Law (if not completed in YEAR 3) (3 units)
CML2302 - Business Organizations or CML3102 Special Course in Business Law (if not completed in YEAR 3) (3 units)
Half-year NPSIA course (3 units) or INAF 5509 (3 units)3
Optional CML courses (18-27 units, depending on registration in upper-year compulsory courses)2

1 Students must distribute their courses as follows:
Fall Term: 13-17 units; January Intensive Term: 3-4 units; Winter Term: 10-14 units

2 Please note that the Major Paper and Oral Advocacy Requirement should be completed in the second or third year. By the end of year 4, students must complete one course which satisfies the oral advocacy requirement and one course in which the major paper requirement is fulfilled.

3 INAF 5509 must be taken in either Year 3 or Year 4. The second half-year course may be any approved NPSIA half-year course.

Note: The major paper is a JD Program requirement and must be completed in a Common Law course. The major paper cannot be completed in a NPSIA course. The NPSIA Research Essay does not satisfy the JD major paper requirement.*

36 Optional course units in common law (CML)

YEAR 1

CML 1101 - Legal Foundations: Research, Strategy, Analysis (1 unit)
CML 1102 - Contracts (5 units)
CML 1109 - First-Year Thematic Course: Public International Law (3 units)
CML 1106 - Dispute Resolution and Professional Responsibility (3 units)
CML 1108 - Property (5 units)
CML 1206 - Introduction to Public Law and Constitutional Law (6 units) small group
CML 1103 - Criminal Law and Procedure (5 units) large group
CML 1107 - Torts (5 units) large group

CML 1207 - Torts (6 units) small group
CML 1205 - Introduction to Public Law and Constitutional Law (5 units) large group
CML 1103 - Criminal Law and Procedure (5 units) large group

CML 1203 - Criminal Law and Procedure (6 units) small group
CML 1205 - Introduction to Public Law and Constitutional Law (5 units) large group
CML 1107 - Torts (5 units) large group

Small group: class size of approximately 18-25 students

Large group: class size of approximately 75-80 students

YEAR 2

* Students register at Carleton University and complete NPSIA courseworkexternal link.external link

YEAR 3 - 30 units (typically 10 courses)1

The student is affiliated with the Faculty of Law

CML2313 - Constitutional Law II (3 units)
CML2309 - Civil Procedure I (may be completed either in YEAR 3 or YEAR 4) (3 units)
CML2312 - Administrative Law (may be completed either in YEAR 3 or YEAR 4) (3 units)
CML2302 - Business Organizations or CML3102 Special Course in Business Law (may be completed either in YEAR 3 or YEAR 4) (3 units)
Half-year NPSIA course (3 units)
Optional CML courses (15-24 units, depending on registration in upper-year compulsory courses)2

YEAR 4 - 30 units (typically 10 courses)1

The student is affiliated with the Faculty of Law

CML2309 - Civil Procedure I (if not completed in YEAR 3) (3 units)
CML2312 - Administrative Law (if not completed in YEAR 3) (3 units)
CML2302 - Business Organizations or CML3102 Special Course in Business Law (if not completed in YEAR 3) (3 units)
Half-year NPSIA course (3 units)
Optional CML courses (18-27 units, depending on registration in upper-year compulsory courses)2

1 Students must distribute their courses as follows:
Fall Term: 13-17 units; January Intensive Term: 3-4 units; Winter Term: 10-14 units

3 * Note: The major paper is a JD Program requirement and must be completed in a Common Law course. The major paper cannot be completed in a NPSIA course. The NPSIA Research Essay does not satisfy the JD major paper requirement.*

YEAR 1 - 34 credits (9 courses)

CML 1101 - Principles of Legal Research (1 credit)
CML 1102 - Contracts (5 credits)
CML 1104 - Public Law and Legislation (3 credits)
CML 1109 - First-Year Thematic Course: Public International Law (3 credits)
CML 1106 - Dispute Resolution and Professional Responsibility (3 credits)
CML 1108 - Property (5 credits)
CML 1213 - Constitutional Law I (3 credits) 
CML 1103 - Criminal Law and Procedure (5 credits)
CML 1207 - Torts (6 credits)

CML1203 - Criminal Law and Procedure (6 credits)  
CML1107 - Torts (5 credits)

YEAR 2

* Students register at Carleton University and complete NPSIA courseworkexternal link .

YEAR 3 - 30 credits (typically 10 courses) (see note 1)

CML2313 - Constitutional Law II (3 credits)
CML2309 - Civil Procedure I (may be completed either in YEAR 3 or YEAR 4) (3 credits)
CML2312 - Administrative Law (may be completed either in YEAR 3 or YEAR 4) (3 credits)
CML2302 - Business Organizations or CML3102 Special Course in Business Law (may be completed either in YEAR 3 or YEAR 4) (3 credits)
Half-year NPSIA course (3 credits)
Optional CML courses (15-24 credits, depending on registration in upper-year compulsory courses) (see note 2)

YEAR 4 - 30 credits (typically 10 courses) (see note 1)

CML2309 - Civil Procedure I (if not completed in YEAR 3) (3 credits)
CML2312 - Administrative Law (if not completed in YEAR 3) (3 credits)
CML2302 - Business Organizations or CML3102 Special Course in Business Law (if not completed in YEAR 3) (3 credits)
Half-year NPSIA course (3 credits)
Optional CML courses (18-27 credits, depending on registration in upper-year compulsory courses) (see note 2)

note 1 - Students must distribute their courses as follows:
Fall Term: 13-17 credits; January Intensive Term: 3-4 credits; Winter Term: 10-14 credits

note 2 - Please note that the Major Paper and Oral Advocacy Requirementexternal link should be completed in the second or third year. By the end of year 4, students must complete one course which satisfies the oral advocacy requirement and one course in which the major paper requirement is fulfilled.

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JD-MA (International Affairs)

Program overview

Why choose this program

Program options and structure

Admission requirements (undergraduate)

Why choose uOttawa Common Law

Student experience

uOttawa Law in the heart of Canada’s legal community

Brian Dickson Law Library

Research in the Common Law Section

Keep exploring

What can you do after your studies

Tuition fees

Course sequences

Students entering as of September 2025 arrow_drop_down

JD English-MA (with Carleton University, NPSIA) for students entering as of September 2025

Students entering as of September 2016 arrow_drop_down

Students entering as of September 2012 arrow_drop_down

YEAR 1 - 34 credits (9 courses)

YEAR 2

YEAR 3 - 30 credits (typically 10 courses) (see note 1)

YEAR 4 - 30 credits (typically 10 courses) (see note 1)

Students who enrolled prior to September 2012 arrow_drop_down

YEAR 1 - 34 credits (9 courses)

YEAR 2

YEAR 3 - 30 credits (typically 10 courses) (see note 1)

YEAR 4 - 30 credits (typically 10 courses) (see note 1)

Contact us

Common Law admissions